However, Mitchell, whose father is an injured fireman, dreams of becoming a firefighter.

“If you ask him what he wants to be when he grows up, he wants to be a fireman,” Christy said.

Seeing Mitchell’s passion, the Wildwood Fire Department allowed him to participate in their first-ever cadet firefighter program, made for 10- to 17-year-olds.

“He’s a ball of fire,” Brian Cripps of the Wildwood Fire Department said.

When his mother asked if he could take a ride in their fire truck—she was astounded at what happened next.

Mitchell was brought to the station where he received a customized helmet and badge emblazoned with his name. He repeated phrases after the firemen for an official swearing-in ceremony, and then it was official — he was dubbed the honorary fire chief of the Wildwood Fire Department.

“They went above and beyond because that wasn’t what was expected,” Christy said.